Acupuncture FAQs

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people describe the sensation of acupuncture needles as mild. Many report they don’t feel the needles at all. For most people acupuncture is actually a relaxing experience.

What is a typical acupuncture treatment like?

For routine acupuncture visits, you should allow about 60 minutes. Each treatment session starts with a brief assessment of symptoms and progress since the last visit. The type of acupuncture treatment and the points may be modified as the treatment progresses. The needles are gently inserted, stimulated, then left in place for typically 20-30 minutes. During this time the patient rests, listens to music, dozes or reads.

When the needles are removed, typically there is no mark left. Occasionally the skin or tissue may bruise or feel itchy, achy or sore afterward. These are normal reactions, temporary, and not a reason for any undue concern.

How many treatments will I need and how often will I need to come?

The number of treatments needed depends on the type of problem. Issues that have been around for a long time, i.e., chronic, initially require treatments that are close enough together and continued for a period of time in order to create the sustained physiologic effect needed to resolve the problem.

For a chronic problem, a good initial treatment is 2 times per week for 6 weeks. This will show if the issue is one that will respond easily to acupuncture, and for many problems it will be enough to improve them significantly. Some chronic problems will resolve with less than this. Problems that are new, such as an ankle sprain or a cold or flu, may only require a few treatments to help them start to resolve more quickly.

Do I have to continue treatment in order to stay better?

Whether or not some maintenance treatment is needed depends on the underlying nature of the problem. It is common for a problem that was chronic to remain much better even for years after an initial course of treatment. Others need some maintenance such as a treatment once monthly to help them stay better.

Does acupuncture always work?

While acupuncture is even effective for many conditions that have not responded to other therapies, it does not work for every person.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

No. Acupuncture works fine in animals, for instance. Many of the research studies on acupuncture’s effects have been done in animals. Two schools of veterinary medicine in the United States have training programs for veterinary doctors who want to learn how to use acupuncture to help their animal patients.

Are there side effects and risks to acupuncture?

In the hands of trained physicians, the side effects and risks of acupuncture are very low. Placing needles into the body must be done with care and proper medical training. Occasionally there can be bruising or temporary heightening of symptoms. These all resolve as treatment continues and are not reasons for undue concern.

The most serious possible side effects of acupuncture are organ puncture and infection. When acupuncture is performed by a physician and with single use, sterile, disposable needles, these are very rare. In general, medical acupuncture therapy is even more safe than many over-the-counter medicines.

How will I feel after a treatment?

Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and frequently feel very calm after a treatment.

How quickly can I expect to feel better?

Many conditions will start to show improvement with the first treatment. Others will naturally be slower to respond, and some problems won’t show improvement until 6 – 8 treatments.

Can acupuncture treatment help with non-physical problems?

Acupuncture can be helpful for anxiety, depression, moodiness, anger problems and sleep issues.

Should I tell my doctor I am going to acupuncture?

In general, it is helpful for you and your doctor to be aware of all the therapies you are having. Dr. Burgoon will be happy to speak with your doctor, if you like.

I am taking prescription medication. Should I keep taking it?

Yes, continue your regular medicines. As treatment proceeds, it may be possible to gradually reduce or discontinue some medicines. You and Dr. Burgoon can discuss this. The goal for each patient is individual.

Can I benefit from acupuncture even when I’m not sick?

Yes. Acupuncture can be helpful in maintaining good health and preventing problems.

Is acupuncture safe for children?

Yes, and it can be very beneficial in treating many childhood problems. The acupuncture techniques used for children are very gentle.

Do you use herbs in conjunction with acupuncture?

Yes. The two together can be very beneficial for some conditions. Many conditions respond well with just acupuncture alone.

How do herbs differ from Western medicine?

Unlike modern pharmaceuticals that contain single, isolated agents, herbal medicines contain many biologically active ingredients in small amounts. Although herbal medicines are natural, they are medicines and need to be used with care and knowledge in order to be safe and effective.

Can I take Chinese herbs when I am on medication?

While herbs can be used together with many modern medicines, there are some modern pharmaceuticals that should not be mixed with certain herbal medicines. Be sure to let Dr. Burgoon know all of the medicines you are taking, including over the counter medicines and supplements or herbs

Acupuncture treats…

Testimonials

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

Tom has been a true gift to my family. My first experience with acupuncture was through my husband, who began with Tom because of his severely arthritic knees. He had to abandon surgery due to metastatic kidney cancer. As his cancer progressed, Tom treated him for pain, general strength and ...

Sue A.West Chester, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

Tom has been a true gift to my family. My first experience with acupuncture was through my husband, who began with Tom because of his severely arthritic knees. He had to abandon surgery due to metastatic kidney cancer. As his cancer progressed, Tom treated him for pain, general strength and ...

Sue A.West Chester, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

I had had 2 molars extracted and was awaiting implants. Experiencing continued pain in the extracted-teeth area, I had been to 2 dentists, an oral surgeon, and an ENT doctor. I had had 2 CAT scans. The ENT specialist wanted to send me to a neurologist to treat the pain. ...

N. E.Orwigsburg, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

Dr. Thomas Burgoon was recommended to me by a friend who had a serious illness that traditional medical treatments had not helped. Her almost miraculous outcomes from acupuncture led me to consider it as a treatment option for my chronic back pain. From my first visit on I was impressed ...

Adele SeiscioPhoenixville, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

Firmly rooted in the medical arts of both the Western and Eastern spheres, Dr. Tom Burgoon blends his zen professionalism and years of educated, observational experience into his medical acupuncture practice.
My own health and wellness path has benefited fully through acupuncture along with his sage counsel. In recommending Dr. Burgoon ...

M.D.P.West Chester, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

After many years of treatment with medication and surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia, I finally found lasting relief through medical acupuncture with Dr. Burgoon. I really wish I had tried this sooner!

Valerie B.West Chester, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

For the past 15 years the use of medical acupuncture has rescued me and returned me to good health many times. It has been my good fortune to have been introduced to this life-altering practice by Dr. Thomas Burgoon.
Having experienced several severe reactions to antibiotics that western medicine could find ...

Randy S.Glen Mills, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

My name is Jamie Sulzman. I am the owner of Penn Oaks Tennis and Fitness Club. I have been teaching tennis for 23 years and have had a lot of injuries over the years. Three years ago I started to have severe pain in my shoulder and neck. After seeing ...

Jamie SulzmanWest Chester, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

After years of suffering from chronic neck pain and receiving a multitude of treatments and medications, I found Dr. Burgoon, who came to my rescue.
In our very first visit, he took the time to sit with me and ask questions no other doctor had previously asked. He had a positive ...

Nancy W.West Chester, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

I had been suffering from very severe lower back pain which radiated down into both legs. My local doctor couldn't help me. I then was evaluated by a noted physician at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. He suggested and prescribed pain management medication as my condition was not suitable for surgery.
My ...

Yvonne and John K.Lincoln University, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

Dr. Burgoon is one of the best medical doctors I have ever seen. After a cancer diagnosis, I was introduced to him and his acupuncture treatments. He is a brilliant and thoughtful doctor, who treats the whole person and takes the time to go the extra mile. He spends the ...

Caroline G.New London, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

I became aware of Dr. Burgoon shortly after I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I heard him speak at a seminar at Lankenau Hospital sponsored by Unite for Her. At that time, Dr. Burgoon's gentle manner and knowledge of his field immediately made an impact on me.
My cancer ...

Vicki M.Glenn Mills, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

I have been a patient of Dr. Burgoon's for the past 13 years. I had severe asthma that was being treated with steroid-based inhalers and medications for approximately 20 years.
Every winter I would catch a cold that would inevitably result in my hospitalization with a severe asthma attack. It was ...

Emlyn J.West Chester, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

I am a breast cancer survivor. My treatments have included chemotherapy, radiation, reconstructive surgery and hormone therapy. Through all of this the most challenging part has been dealing with hot flashes, every half-hour, day and night. The common recommendation from many doctors was to get a fan or to just ...

Rhonda F.Philadelphia, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

Dr. Burgoon gave me back my life!!
In 2006 I suddenly developed pains in various parts of my head 24/7. I never received a diagnosis from my primary care doctors nor from neurologists at 2 prestigious hospitals, a psychologist, several psychiatrists and 2 chiropractors. They prescribed anti-depressants — many, many anti-depressants ...

R.E. LessChadds Ford, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

Medical miracles do happen and mine started when I met Dr. Burgoon. Diagnoses of 2 auto-immune diseases (Crohn's and Wegener's Granulamatosis) and an arsenal of potent pharmaceuticals left me with 7 compressed vertebrae and avascular necrosis of both hips, which resulted in bi-lateral hip replacements. At 35, I felt like ...

Fran C.Glenside, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

Good news for those who suffer with painful neuropathy!
I suffered for over 1 ½ years with painful, burning neuropathy in both feet. I saw several different doctors and no one had concrete suggestions for relief, except to take a certain drug that was recommended. I tried that drug for ...

Midge D.West Chester, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

After 2 years of dealing with a stubborn and debilitating back injury and countless approaches to remedy it, I discovered medical acupuncture with Dr. Thomas Burgoon. Within a few short weeks I was reclaiming my life with less pain, increased flexibility, improved sleep and fewer associated GI problems. My soul ...

DonnaChristiana, PA

Medical Acupuncture of Chester County

I recommend Dr. Burgoon highly as he has helped me and continues to assist my overall health. I came to him through a recommendation and I am happy that I trusted the process. Since Dr. B is an MD as well as a doctor of Chinese medicine, he has been ...